Germany's Federal Network Agency has published its draft decision on the proposed auction of spectrum in the 700 MHz, 900 MHz, 1,800 MHz and 1.5 GHz bands for mobile broadband. The regulator said the growing demand for broadband services means more frequencies are needed to expand capacity and meet the government's digital targets. The additional spectrum will carry requirements for covering rural areas and is also expected to promote competition in the wake of the merger of Telefonica and E-Plus, which reduced the German market to three network operators.
In addition to the public consultation on the draft auction proposal, the assignment of the 700 MHz frequencies, which are still used for broadcasting, will require an agreement between federal and state governments. The regulator said it expects to hold the auction in the second quarter of 2015. Comments on the draft decision can be submitted until 26 November.
